“Emergency,” the biopic directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, ambitiously sets out to depict the life of Indira Gandhi, one of India’s most formidable political figures. The film starts by exploring Indira’s early years, suggesting that her difficult childhood and familial conflicts deeply influenced her later political life and leadership style.
The narrative, however, quickly diverts into a realm of dramatic exaggeration and historical liberties. Notably, the film invents scenes where significant historical figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw are portrayed singing about the nation’s wartime efforts—scenes that stretch the bounds of believability and detract from the film’s credibility.
Despite assertions that the screenplay is based on verified facts, with a long disclaimer citing sources, “Emergency” indulges in a selective recounting of events. It portrays Indira Gandhi alternately as a power-hungry autocrat and a misunderstood heroine, with Kangana’s performance focusing on emotional turmoil rather than political acumen.
The film is structured around two main segments: one highlighting Indira’s rise to power and her alleged authoritarian tendencies, particularly through her relationship with her son Sanjay Gandhi; the other focusing on her political downfall and eventual comeback. This bifurcation in narrative tries to cover extensive ground but ends up rendering a superficial glimpse into the complex politics of the era.
Supporting roles by veterans like Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Satish Kaushik in his final screen appearance as Babu Jagjivan Ram are intended to add depth but instead come across as caricatures. These portrayals contribute to a narrative that seems more intent on dramatization than an accurate historical recount.
Technically, the film benefits from the expertise of cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata, but his work is undermined by the overall production which fails to convincingly recreate the period or deliver a coherent visual style.
The film’s conclusion, which attempts to evoke sympathy for Indira Gandhi through a portrayal of personal guilt and political redemption, feels contrived. The depiction of Sanjay Gandhi’s controversial political maneuvers and their consequences are touched upon, but like much of the film, these elements are handled with a lack of nuance.
In sum, “Emergency” is a cinematic experiment that demonstrates how challenging it can be to balance historical biographic storytelling with creative liberties. While it may engage audiences unfamiliar with the depth of Indira Gandhi’s political life, for those with a better understanding, the film will likely come across as a disappointing portrayal that prioritizes drama over historical authenticity and depth.